By Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially launched the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to 300,000 households across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The intervention is aimed at cushioning the economic hardship faced by vulnerable residents during the holy month of Ramadan. Each beneficiary is to receive one bag of rice, one bag of millet and 10 kilograms of sugar.
Speaking on Tuesday at Ramat Square in Maiduguri, the governor charged the committee overseeing the distribution to uphold transparency and fairness throughout the exercise.
“To the committee in charge of this distribution, let transparency be your watchword. Let fairness be your guide. These items are not for sale. They are not for your friends or family members who do not need them,” Zulum said.
He stressed that the items were meant strictly for widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, farmers whose livelihoods have yet to fully recover, and daily wage earners struggling to survive. The governor warned that any official found diverting the relief materials would face the full wrath of the law.
Zulum also directed that the gesture should extend to non-Muslims observing the Lenten season, which coincides with Ramadan this year.
The governor’s administration has maintained a consistent record of supporting Christian communities during festive periods. Annually, food items are distributed to Christians during Christmas, alongside provision of free transportation for non-indigenous Christians wishing to celebrate with their families in other parts of the country.
In their remarks, the Senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
Earlier, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, assured that the agency is fully prepared to ensure a smooth and hitch-free distribution process.
The event was attended by members of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba and Abdulkadir Rahis; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; principal officers of the Assembly; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; and other top government officials.
